US bans the Kaspersky antivirus: Here’s what you need to know

You probably know by now that cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting your computers and data from threat actors, but it has broader implications that go as far as national security. Yes, it’s true! Case in point: the recent ban on Kaspersky antivirus software by the US government.

Recently, Biden’s administration has issued a ban on the Russia-based cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, which now prevents it from distributing its antivirus products in the country. The government has given the company and its users a term of notice of 100 days, that is, until September 29, 2024, to completely stop the sale and use of Kaspersky in the United States. 

According to the statement released by the Commerce Department, “Kaspersky will generally no longer be able to, among other activities, sell its software within the United States or provide updates to software already in use.” The reason behind this radical step is national security concerns.

In this article, we will dive deep into what led to this ban and what it means for users and the cybersecurity landscape. 

Why did the US ban Kaspersky antivirus?

As you might have guessed, the driving force behind this ban is the risk of compromised national security. Back in 2017, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ordered its federal networks to stop using Kaspersky’s flagship antivirus products on their systems.

The DHS was afraid that if Kaspersky’s antivirus were to be used, it would open doors for the Russian government to access sensitive information that may be used to conduct espionage or cyberattacks. Even after years, the suspicion of DHS did not fizzle out but only persisted, leading to the recent ban by the Biden administration. 

The following are the risks related to national security that led to the Kaspersky ban:

• Kaspersky is under the jurisdiction, control, or influence of the Russian government, which is considered a foreign adversary.
• Kaspersky’s software can be easily exploited to identify sensitive U.S. personal data and make it available to Russian government actors.
• Kaspersky antivirus software, developed and supplied from Russia, is capable and has the leverage to install malicious software and hold back any new malware signature updates.

Was this ban unexpected?

The ban on Kaspersky antivirus software by the US government might have seemed sudden to some, but for the administration, it was long overdue. Given the bilateral relations between the United States and Russia, tensions have been growing over the years and have made their way into the realm of cybersecurity. 

As aforementioned, there were early warning signs in 2017 that brought the government’s reservations towards Kaspersky to the surface. The allegations compelled the Moscow-based company to shift its epicenter from Russia to Switzerland and follow a more transparent approach. Despite this move, the suspicion remained. 

What does the ban mean for Kaspersky customers?

If your US-based organization is still using Kaspersky antivirus software, this is your sign to take immediate action and start looking for alternatives. While you do so, here’s how the latest Kaspersky ban will impact you:

No more software updates

Now that the Kaspersky antivirus software is banned, the company will not be allowed to sell new products, and for existing customers, it will mean no updates. As a result of this, the version of the software that already exists becomes more prone to cyber threats.

Data sovereignty issues

The ban raises questions about data sovereignty, particularly the concern that the users’ data can be accessed by the Russian government. This is an alarming issue, especially if your business handles sensitive information.

Intellectual property is at risk

Your intellectual property is your company’s asset and you cannot afford to compromise it. But if the software you use is vulnerable to cyber threats, so is your intellectual property. 

System compatibility issues

Since the ban will render your existing Kaspersky antivirus software outdated, it means that you might eventually start facing compatibility issues with your system and other software. Without the updates and patches, you might also face operational inefficiencies and vulnerabilities in your IT infrastructure. 

What should be your next steps?

If your organization is currently using Kaspersky antivirus software, don’t fret! Although you have until 29 September 2024 to switch to a different antivirus, you cannot be complacent about it and should act fast! 

Image sourced from acumenconnections.com

Moreover, instead of simply looking out for alternatives, you should also consider upgrading your cybersecurity strategies and incorporating more robust measures. After all, cybersecurity is not just about protecting against known threats but also about being prepared for future challenges. 

Want more such insights on the world of cybersecurity, along with comprehensive authentication solutions, like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, to safeguard your email ecosystem? DuoCircle is your ally! Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services!